Show sensitivity to food allergies this Halloween
Contact: Jennifer Tackett, extension specialist for 4-H youth development
Halloween is one of the anticipated holidays of the year for many people, but if a child suffers from food allergies, it can be downright frightful for them and their parents. You can support children with food allergies and other medical conditions by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
The project encourages individuals to help raise awareness about food allergies and support those who suffer from them. To participate you can paint a pumpkin teal, the color of food allergy awareness, and place it outside. If you don’t have time to do so, you can print a free sign from the Teal Pumpkin Project website and post it on your house to let trick or treaters know you offer nonedible treats rather than only candy. It is available at http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project/download#.V-vZZsksC98.
Food allergies are a growing problem in the United States with one in 13 children having one. Some of the most common allergens like nuts, milk, eggs, soy or wheat are also items commonly found in candy. In addition to food allergies, children with other medical conditions, like celiac disease, may not be able to safely eat some candies.
Some candies, particularly miniature or fun-size versions, do not always list their ingredients on the individual packages and could contain different ingredients than larger versions. This makes it difficult for parents to determine which candies are safe for their child.
Finding cheap, nonedible treats is easier than you think. Here are some ideas.
· Glow sticks
· Bubbles
· Spider rings
· Vampire fangs
· Stickers
· Halloween erasers
More information on Halloween safety is available at the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
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